The future role of Philadelphia Phillies star reliever José Alvarado appears poised for potential change, as the team looks to optimize its bullpen for upcoming seasons. Alvarado, known for his electric stuff, including a fastball that can reach triple digits and a devastating slider, has established himself as one of the most dominant left-handed relievers in baseball. However, with the Phillies needing to adapt to evolving team needs and maximize their bullpen depth, a transition to a high-leverage closer role could be in the cards.
Alvarado’s performance in 2023 demonstrated his ability to handle pressure situations, posting a sub-2.00 ERA and registering several critical holds in late-inning appearances. Despite this, the Phillies have been cautious with Alvarado’s usage due to his inconsistent command in the past, which at times leads to walks. Nonetheless, if Alvarado can continue to refine his control, his overpowering stuff makes him a natural candidate to step into a more prominent role as the team’s primary closer, especially with Craig Kimbrel’s future uncertain and the growing need for a reliable ninth-inning option.
Additionally, the Phillies may opt to use Alvarado in a more flexible, multi-inning capacity, capitalizing on his ability to dominate across several frames in high-stress games. This would allow manager Rob Thomson to deploy Alvarado as both a setup man and an emergency closer, giving him the versatility to be a game-changer in a variety of situations.
In the long term, how the Phillies manage Alvarado’s workload and development will play a pivotal role in their bullpen strategy. Whether as a closer or multi-inning weapon, Alvarado’s future with the Phillies is bright, with his dynamic abilities placing him at the forefront of their plans for continued bullpen success.
